We have been to Rome before and seen many of the popular tourist attractions. We will be in Rome again for a few days in late April before picking up our RS Best of Southern Italy Tour. Does anyone have recommendations on tours or one day excursions from Rome?
We would love to find a tour that focuses on the architecture and engineering aspects of Rome.
Hmm, if you are looking to go outside of Rome for a day, then the "architecture and engineering aspects of Rome" might not be as readily available as they are within Rome? If you Google "acquedotto" you will find sites around the periphery of Rome where portions of the Roman acqueduct are visible. Is that the kind of engineering you're talking about?
Much farther back in history are the Etruscans, and a day trip to Tarquinia (on the coast north of Rome -- also has a nice beach) will enable you to visit Etruscan tombs. It's easy to do by train without a guide.
Thank you. We are open to doing tours in Rome as well. We simply want to see something new and perhaps see it from a technical perspective. The aqueducts definitely are of interest to both of us. If you had recommendations on tours and tour groups/guides that would be great.
You might consider going to Ville d' Este and Hadrian's Villa using public transportation. Ville d' Este is particularly interesting since the garden area with numerous fountains are landscaped into a hillside.
Another idea would be Ostia Antica, which is like Pompeii without the history. It does provide two amenities missing from Pompeii: shade and a sea breeze. This is also reached by public transportation or train.
If you are up to a LONG day you might consider Pompeii, itself. We took a bus tour to the site and were there for three hours. Pompeii is immense. When we were there last in 2009 the visitor center in the site was closed and it can be hot, dry, and did I forget to mention hot.
The catacombs of San Calixto or the Pope's summer home in nearby Castel Gondolfo is another good choice.
buon viaggio,
Go to Tivoli! Villa d' Este is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen!
